Original subtitles

Two months until the Hakone Ekiden.

The Student United Team, made up of runners from teams

that failed to qualify, begins training.

My goal is a top-three finish at the Hakone Ekiden.

A top-three finish?

Some resist Coach Masato Kai's unconventional methods,

as he has no coaching experience.

You'd be crazy to take this seriously!

Don't mess with me!

We've lost once already!

That's exactly why we can run like no one else!

Meanwhile, at Dainichi TV…

This is what we call the Hakone Ekiden Broadcast Handbook.

It's essentially a manual for broadcasting the Hakone Ekiden.

Chief producer Ryo Tokushige clashed with upper management.

Hakone Ekiden belongs to the runners.

Perfectionist broadcast director

Natsuki Miyamoto also clashed with her crew.

Is the broadcast director some kind of god?

Maybe I'm not cut out for this job.

Maybe don't toss it all,

but try tossing a little?

-I'll go! -Please go.

Meanwhile…

Maeda will probably be hospitalized.

Another ordeal awaited those already facing adversity.

This is bad…

CHIEF PRODUCER RYO TOKUSHIGE

What about the evening news?

For now, the weekday sub-anchors

can fill in.

But going forward…

ANNOUNCING DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

DEPUTY NEWS DIRECTOR

Come in.

Excuse me.

Sorry I'm late.

PROGRAMMING BUREAU CHIEF TAKESHI KUROISHI

Is Maeda going to be okay?

Esophageal cancer. Stage three.

Stage three…

The Hakone Ekiden is just two months away, isn't it?

Who's going to fill in?

Someone to replace Maeda…

No, I really can't think of anyone.

More than 20 announcers

work on the Hakone Ekiden broadcast.

The broadcast announcer leads

the play-by-play announcers in the field.

The command center, so to speak.

It's no exaggeration to say their skill decides

whether the broadcast succeeds.

SHIRAKAWA HOSPITAL

Mr. Tokushige,

I'm so sorry.

Don't worry about it.

Besides that, how are you feeling?

I just feel a little off.

But now I'm starting radiation and chemo.

I see.

I was really looking forward to doing Hakone with this team.

HISASHI MAEDA

I'm so frustrated…

Me too.

Right now, your job is to focus on getting better.

When you're well, we'll do it again.

Okay.

Um, Mr. Tokushige.

What's going to happen about my replacement?

I'll think about it.

It's not my place to say, but without enough time to prepare,

Hakone will be tough for anyone without real experience.

You're right.

Well… It's not like I have no one in mind.

Mr. Karashima?

I was thinking the same thing. I hope he will do it.

Yeah, I know…

Mr. Karashima? You mean that Mr. Karashima?!

Come on, Mr. Tokushige. Are you serious?

You know what he's like.

This is bad.

Um, sorry.

Is Mr. Karashima really that bad?

He's really that bad.

Basically, he's a pain.

He expects the crew to know more than the experts.

Plenty of directors have run from him.

He chewed me out once too.

"There’s no such phrase as 'fixed concept'."

"It's either 'fixed idea' or 'preconception'."

Could you say that again?

I said, "Sorry, I should've studied more."

"Not sorry. I'm sorry."

"Can't you even apologize properly?" And that set him off again.

I'm traumatized.

He handled my new-hire training too.

He drilled me for two hours on how I pronounce my own name.

Two hours?!

He's got all three Hs. Harsh, hard-nosed and hard to please.

And he never takes a job he doesn't like.

How does that even work?

Office workers are supposed to do the jobs they're given.

50 DAYS UNTIL HAKONE EKIDEN

I'm for it.

Mr. Karashima is a pro at golf broadcasts.

He's suited to Hakone, where the competition happens all at once.

Well, only those of us inside

know how nasty he is.

On air, he sounds smooth,

and somehow he never comes off as snide.

Is that praise or an insult?

He's hard to work with, sure. But if we put up with that,

I think… it'll be a great broadcast.

-You think? -But can you put up with him,

Mr. Tokushige?

Anyway,

no time like the present.

TATEYAMA LADIES OPEN

Mr. Karashima,

it's been a while.

On the final day, they'll put the pin by this pond.

This hole decides the tournament.

Okay…

What do you want?

Actually, I have a favor to ask.

Would you cover the Hakone Ekiden?

Why not let one of the young ones do it?

If someone young does it,

I want to give them time to prepare.

You know me.

I can't stand sappy sports broadcasts.

15 YEARS AGO

Mr. Karashima, could you tell this story about the runner's family next?

FAMILY STORY

Sorry. Not now.

-Hey, Tokushige! -Yes!

The family story's set, right?

Next is Car Three.

Uh, I'm sorry, but…

Mr. Karashima doesn't seem willing to…

What? Hey!

Is he griping again?

If not now, when?

Shut up, Kitamura!

You're annoying, Kitamura!

What are you even watching?

Look at the runner's head!

It's swaying side to side. That means he's tired.

This is where the race is decided!

And you're forcing a link

between his family's tragedy and his running?

"His father is cheering him on from heaven"?

What is that? That's ridiculous!

It doesn't matter how perfect

a script you prepare.

We cover the athletes competing

at this moment.

That's supposed to be our job.

Isn't it?

Well, no wonder a pain-in-the-neck old man

like me gets fewer jobs.

See you.

10,000-METER TIME TRIAL MEET

A MEET WHERE UNIVERSITY ATHLETES COMPETE

FOR RECORDS AND PERSONAL BESTS

-Everyone, gather round. -Yes.

I'll announce your legs this weekend.

-Leg assignments… -This is it…

Today's 10,000-meter race

will be a big factor in deciding them.

Don't let up. Give it everything.

That's all.

-Yes. -Yes.

TOZAI UNIVERSITY

SHOSUKE HIRAKAWA

-Coach Hirakawa of Tozai University! -Yeah!

Mr. Hirakawa, do you have a moment?

He's got quite a presence!

Hey, let's go get his autograph later.

Yeah, let's go.

Two titles in a row for sure, right?

Still, it depends on the other teams.

-We can't get careless. -I see.

Long time no see, Mr. Kai.

You all know him.

Coach Kai of the Student United Team.

I'm Kai.

You two were rivals in college, weren't you?

No.

We ran the same leg three times. Izumo, All-Japan and Hakone.

He beat me all three times.

Calling us rivals would be presumptuous.

But as a head coach,

my record's a little better.

Of course. Tozai's the reigning champ.

This time, you'll face off

as head coaches.

How are you feeling about it?

Speaking of feelings,

the Student United Team seems fired up.

What was your goal again?

Top three in the main race.

Be careful, Mr. Kai.

You know the old saying.

"A great player

doesn't always make a great coach."

-Right? -Yes.

Well, go easy on us.

Let's make it an exciting race.

See you at Hakone.

Next, men's 10,000-meter Heat 6.

TOZAI UNIVERSITY SANNO UNIVERSITY

MEISEI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY

-Looking good! -You got this!

Keep that pace!

You got this!

Follow him!

Come on!

Kota and the others are flying…

MEISEI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY TEAM MANAGER KEITO YANO

MEISEI GAKUIN HAKONE EKIDEN QUALIFIER

11TH PLACE-MEISEI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY

I'm sorry, everyone.

It's my fault.

Huh?

Hayato's pace suddenly dropped…

-Are everyone's times in? -Yes.

-For me… -Man,

I could've cut five more seconds.

I fell behind at the end too.

What's this?

Huh?

"We'll do things our way."

These three have great times! Especially Kota!

-You're right. -Isn't that weird?

Then why is he like that at camp?

Maybe he didn't want to get injured.

The Student United Team has Daichi Murai

-from Toho Economics too. -Yeah.

They look pretty strong this year.

Yeah, everyone's surprisingly fired up. Even the coach and captain.

The captain's Mr. Aoba from Meisei Gakuin, right?

Oh, yeah.

Isn't he the guy who blew the qualifying race?

Why is he captain?

Well, the coach is from Meisei too.

-Right. -Yeah.

-That makes things easier. -Yeah.

Wow, this is a nice place.

-It's got character. -Right.

-I guess. -It's just old.

Um, Mr. Karashima…

Honestly, this broadcast is in crisis.

YOSHIO KITAMURA

You're the only one who can save it.

We're sure of that.

Right, Bureau Chief Kitamura?

Well, they're asking this earnestly.

-Please do it. -No.

Hakone and I don't get along.

-No… -You once said

my directing was over the top.

But it got ratings back then, didn't it?

Viewers are honest.

It's not about ratings.

Your directing is a gimmick

-that strays from the heart of sports. -A gimmick?

Watch your mouth.

Then it's a travesty.

Um, that was 15 years ago, right?

Let's let bygones be bygones…

Listen. I've always tried to see sports

as sports, with no bias.

Forcing the runners into a script

we prepared ahead of time?

I won't do a tame sports broadcast like that.

You gotta be kidding!

I'm impressed.

You're the most stubborn man in Japan.

I don't want to hear that from you.

-Good work. -Good work.

-Good work. -Good work.

-Good work. -Nomura! It's been ages!

I saw the favorite announcer rankings.

Number one. Congrats!

I've just been lucky with my shows.

Famous but still humble. I could learn from you.

So what's up? You need me?

Could you come with me?

Marumaru Hour is doing great.

It's all thanks to you, Maruta.

Thank you. I'm really grateful to be on such a good show.

By the way, Maruta. I want to ask you something.

What is it?

Will you be the broadcast announcer for the Hakone Ekiden?

What? Me?

Maeda's in the hospital, so we're looking for a replacement.

You started out in sports, right? You're perfect.

Honestly,

I find the current Hakone broadcast lacking.

They pour in all those people and money,

and it's as dull as it gets.

Listen, Maruta.

What we need is impact.

An unconventional broadcast to bring new life to Hakone.

What do you think?

Doesn't that sound exciting?

Why did Bureau Chief Kitamura even come tonight?

How can two people get along that badly?

Mr. Tokushige, what should we do?

What do you think, Miyamoto?

I still think Mr. Karashima is the only one who can be broadcast announcer.

Sure, he's stubborn and twisted.

He's picky and has a nasty mouth,

-and his ideas are old-fashioned… -Hey, now…

But as a sports announcer,

Mr. Karashima has held on

to his principles for years.

Respect for the runners.

I think that's what

we should value most

when we broadcast the Hakone Ekiden.

I think so too.

PROGRAMMING BUREAU CHIEF KUROISHI

Bureau Chief Kuroishi.

Hello.

What's happening with the Hakone broadcast announcer?

If it's not settled yet, there's someone I'd like to recommend.

Who is it?

How about Maruta?

Maruta?

With a variety-show host like him,

the broadcast will be five times more exciting.

Will it?

He's popular, sure, but--

How do we get viewers to love

the Hakone Ekiden even more?

Think hard with that thick skull of yours.

Listen, Tokushige.

This isn't change. It's evolution.

Maruta's eager to do it too.

-Mr. Kuroishi… -Got it?

Was that about Maruta?

Okay. Good work.

Thank you!

Leg assignments are tomorrow, huh?

I won't sleep a wink tonight.

SANNO UNIVERSITY SECOND-YEAR STUDENT DAN KURASHINA

Haru, which leg did you ask for?

HARUKA MOMOYAMA

The seventh leg.

Oh, same here.

I guess that makes us rivals.

Go…

When some get to run,

there are always others who don't.

That's Hakone, right?

Sorry, go on ahead.

I'm going to do one more stride.

Okay.

-Keito, can you take this? -Of course.

Thanks. See you.

Um, Coach.

Can I ask you about something?

It's about Hayato.

Lately, he keeps fading

in the second half of races.

Is there anything I can do?

Let's try it in the evening.

In the evening?

Hayato! Wait!

Let's do a few 400s.

-What, now? -Yes, now!

Oh, and take off your watch.

Why all of a sudden?

It feels just right!

What does?

First one.

Ready, go!

Now, the second one.

Ready, go!

Now, the third one.

Ready, go!

Hayato, that's amazing!

Great time!

You're right…

It's been a while since you ran in the 65s.

Come to think of it,

running felt easier than usual.

My body felt lighter.

Let's time it again tomorrow morning.

-Let's do that. -Yes.

Did Bureau Chief Kuroishi tell you

about the Hakone broadcast announcer?

Yes.

I wanted to know how you feel about it.

Honestly, I was confused

when he first asked me.

I wondered if I could fill in for Mr. Maeda.

But Mr. Kuroishi said he wants to see

Hakone done my way.

I plan to give Hakone

everything I've got.

Mr. Tokushige, I look forward to working with you.

Maruta.

Yes?

I know how good

an announcer you are.

Your skill

and your flair for drawing in viewers.

But…

But that's exactly why I'm worried.

As you know,

the Hakone Ekiden runners are the stars.

That's the principle the broadcast

has been built on all these years.

If you're the broadcast announcer,

the Hakone Ekiden will surely become Maruta's Hakone Ekiden.

Is that a bad thing?

TV must never change Hakone.

Actually,

I'm planning to ask Mr. Karashima to be broadcast announcer.

Okay, last one.

I'll record the time.

Ready, go.

Seriously?!

How was it?

That's amazing! You're faster!

Keito,

are you stopping

the stopwatch early?

-I didn't stop it early today! -Today?

Oh, um…

What do you mean?

Actually, I talked to Coach Kai.

You've been in a slump lately…

Let's try it in the evening.

In the evening?

You run as it gets darker.

What does that do?

As it gets dark, your field of vision narrows.

Running like that, you feel like you're going faster.

It's an illusion of sorts.

An illusion?

Yeah. You don't actually get faster.

And, Keito,

stop the stopwatch just before Hayato finishes.

Then tell Hayato his time improved.

-But that's-- -A bluff, of course.

What do you think Hayato needs right now?

Confidence, maybe?

You give him that confidence.

So yesterday, I stopped the stopwatch a little early.

But, Hayato, this time is real.

Your time really did improve.

Honestly, I had my doubts too.

But it was just like Coach Kai said.

Confidence, huh?

Thanks, Keito.

Sorry I made you worry.

No!

I'll go tell Coach Kai your time!

Excuse me.

Go!

Last 5,000! Run at your own pace! Let's pick it up!

Don't tense up!

SEIWA INTERNATIONAL HEAD COACH KOICHI KITANO

TOHO ECONOMICS HEAD COACH SEIJIRO ONUMA

Good work!

Good work.

That last surge was amazing,

Captain.

Thanks.

Those three always slack off when they train with us.

How long are they going to keep that up?

Got a minute?

This team needs you three.

So I want all three of you

to give this team everything.

I think you should take

every workout seriously.

I told you before.

We'll do things our way.

Just because you're captain doesn't mean you can push your opinions.

Thanks, Captain.

That run was nowhere near

what you're capable of.

Kota, why?

Shuto.

Seiya?

You slack off for no reason?

If you train with no clear purpose or motivation,

don't bother.

It's a waste of time.

Figure out for yourselves what kind of athletes you should be.

And what you have to do.

Think about it.

I don't think the way you handled

Kota and the others was right.

How so?

They're much smarter than you think.

You've been away a long time, so you may not understand.

Students today aren't interested in anything unrealistic.

Unrealistic, like what?

I told you before.

This team's goal.

Why do you assume that?

This is the Student United Team.

Hakone isn't so easy

that a thrown-together team can win it.

Could you stop talking like an amateur?

The runners know it too.

I think the runners are on board.

This is pointless.

He won't get it right now.

He's a serious man.

But if you ask me, he's too serious and lacks ambition.

He relies on experience and common sense

and never questions his assumptions.

But Mr. Kitano was right about one thing.

That the runners are smart.

I'm going to bet on that.

TOHO UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS

I'll now announce your legs.

Based on the survey, your times,

stamina and strengths,

I've given each of you

two possible legs for now.

-Two? -Why?

What do you mean?

LIST OF LEGS

The fourth leg and the tenth leg…

Yes! I got the first leg!

The fifth leg! Time to climb the mountain!

You're loud.

By the end of December, I'll decide the ten who'll run.

As soon as you can,

walk the course you'll run.

JO INOMATA

Study the course closely.

The feel of the town. The road surface.

Know the buildings at each kilometer. Drill it into your heads.

Where the turns are, how the wind blows,

the ups and downs.

MAKOTO AMAGI FIRST AND EIGHTH LEGS

Note the sun's direction

and how warm it gets.

REN MINEGISHI THIRD AND TENTH LEGS

Then make your own race plan

and figure out where it'll be decided.

FUTA WADA-SECOND AND FIFTH LEGS

Knowing the course inside out

makes all the difference in the main race.

KOTA MATSUKI FIRST AND NINTH LEGS

Picture how you'd run it

and where you'd make your move.

Imagine and simulate it.

One plan isn't enough.

Picture several scenarios

and think it through deeply.

-Yes. -Yes.

You two just won't give up.

Why don't you ask Maruta?

If we use Maruta,

the Hakone Ekiden will change.

He's adaptable enough.

If he's asked, he'll fit in.

Sappy directing is right up his alley.

Mr. Karashima.

We want to see the Hakone Ekiden with you calling it.

We want viewers to see

Dainichi TV's proudest Hakone Ekiden

through Bunzo Karashima's eyes.

"A sports broadcast announcer should be a traffic light."

Mr. Maeda kept those words in mind

as Hakone's broadcast announcer.

Car One is with the leaders. How's Aoyama Gakuin looking?

Mr. Okada?

Igarashi of Aoyama Gakuin is slowing a little…

Over to Car Two for a moment.

From the studio, he directs traffic like a traffic light.

He gets the announcers in the field to say

the right things at the right time.

"Don't make yourself the focus."

"Let the right person deliver the most important information."

"Mr. Karashima was the one who taught me that."

That's what Mr. Maeda said.

We absolutely need you

to make the Hakone Ekiden a success!

Can I say something?

Maruta…

Mr. Karashima.

Will you be the broadcast announcer for the Hakone Ekiden?

Mr. Kuroishi wants it to feel

like a variety show.

But…

I know the Hakone Ekiden isn't that kind of broadcast.

I did start out in sports, after all.

Mr. Tokushige, you told me, right?

TV must never change Hakone.

I agree.

No more and no less.

I'm not the one who can show the Hakone Ekiden as it is.

You are.

I'm not ready to take Hakone's sash yet.

Mr. Karashima, please.

Honestly,

getting drilled for two hours

on my name in training was rough.

But

I still remember what you told me.

"Your name is your calling card."

"You have to say it better than anyone."

I'm really grateful you were so strict with me.

I want to learn from you again

at Hakone.

Mr. Karashima.

I'm asking too.

Please.

Please.

ANNOUNCING DEPARTMENT

-Mr. Tokushige, do something! -What?

That's right. We need him to say yes!

Don't blame me!

I'm trying too!

-Tokushige. -Yes?

Do you have it? That thing.

That thing. Don't you know?

The handbook.

The Hakone Ekiden Broadcast Handbook.

Get it to me by tomorrow.

Okay.

Well, I'm going to eat.

Thank you!

-Yes! -Thank goodness…

That was close.

I'm sorry about Hakone.

I just think Mr. Karashima should be the broadcast announcer.

I see.

Well, it can't be helped.

Let's both pray it's a good show.

Yes, sir.

Excuse me.

MARUMARU HOUR BY SHINJI MARUTA

Good work.

Good work.

What's this? It's upside down.

You're right.

HEAD COACH'S OFFICE

Come in.

Excuse me.

Did you see this?

MONTHLY TRACK & FIELD MAGAZINE

-Huh? -I knew it would

come to this someday.

I only agreed to coach

because we placed 13th in the qualifying race.

That's it.

Why do I have to waste every weekend

on this ridiculous training?

Um…

what should I do about practice starting next week?

Decide that yourself.

But

if you don't go, I won't either.

COACH SHOSUKE HIRAKAWA

"Abolish the Student United Team"?

What's the point of letting

a Student United Team with no official record compete?

Instead of adding a team like that,

they should let another strong school run.

At this point, it's just laughable.

45 DAYS UNTIL HAKONE EKIDEN

THIS DRAMA IS A WORK OF FICTION UNRELATED TO REAL PEOPLE OR GROUPS.